NAHCON warns pilgrims against carrying prohibited items

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has warned Nigerian pilgrims currently in Saudi Arabia against carrying prohibited items.

The commission’s Head of Public Affairs Division, Mrs Fatima Usara, gave the warning in a statement issued on Friday in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

She said that the warning became necessary following discoveries made during an unscheduled visit to pilgrims’ luggage screening bay where some bags were found with prohibited items that could compromise the safety of passengers.

” The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) wishes to draw the attention of all pilgrims to the danger of including prohibited items, not only in their hand luggage but also in their 32kg main luggage.

“This is for safety reasons and in line with aviation regulations worldwide, ” Usara said.

She said any luggage in which prohibited items were sighted via X-ray machine would be secluded from freighting until they were removed.

Usara said for safety reasons and to avoid delay, pilgrims should avoid carrying items such as canned body sprays, insecticides, gaseous materials, toxic chemicals, Zamzam water, fruit juice and perfumes in large quantity in their 32kg luggage.

She also warned against carrying a knife, toy gun as well razor blade or any sharp object in the 10kg hand luggage.

Usara also confirmed that no fewer than 22,000 pilgrims had so far been transported back to Nigeria, with some states having concluded their return journeys.

Usara listed the states to include Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Edo, Kwara, Kogi, Kebbi and Nasarawa.